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MUSIC CLASSES For children from birth to 3 with parent/caregiver

Fees are listed at the bottom of this page

• ARFIE'S MUSIC ADVENTURES  

ArtsCetera's own music program is based on what we’ve learned in our 15 years of teaching: that kids learn through what comes naturally - sounding, singing, moving, playing percussive instruments, observing and imitating the adults and children around them. This classic approach takes a quantum leap with Arfie classes and CD collections that include myriad musical styles and voices, produced by an eclectic group of local musicians, including our own “voice of Arfie”, Morgan Taylor, hailed by the NY Times as “the new Dr. Seuss” for his own wildly popular Gustafer Yellowgold. Classes include a CD and illustrated song booklet, and each collection features a “theme song” to address important issues for families, including meeting man’s best friend and how to cross the street safely. Bark Hello!

• MUSIC FOR AARDVARKS & OTHER MAMMALS®

Developed by Brooklyn’s own David Weinstone, Aardvarks needs almost no introduction these days, as the music has hit the national scene with David’s success on the Noggin network. David’s musicianship and lyrical genius, with universal and urban-centric themes for kids, bring a uniquely non-traditional voice to kid’s music. David began his teaching career here at ArtsCetera, so we’re especially proud to continue bringing his music to you! Classes include a CD for home play, with a different collection each semester.

For more information about Music for Aardvarks and CDs visit www.musicforaardvarks.com

 

- CLASS FORMAT AND AGE GROUPINGS

In MIXED-AGE CLASSES (birth to 3 years) children participate according to their developmental level and personality in an informal group setting. We build on your child’s innate musicality, and encourage them to “plug themselves in” without the expectation of formal participation. Instrument play, singing and movement activities are accessible for all, from babies who bounce and coo, to toddlers who find the beat. Younger and older children, including sibs, build their skills in a shared learning environment, where the teacher, moms, dads, caregivers and their own unique abilities create a fun, dynamic musical experience.


INFANT CLASSES for babies up to 12 months, are a gentle introduction to the experience of group music-making. Some infants may be more comfortable with this approach, but many enjoy mixed-age classes, depending on their personality. Call if you have questions on choosing the right class for your baby.

CLASSES for babies up to 18 months, generally "bridge the gap" for infants who are soon to be full-on toddlers.  Many times, these groups are a continuation of the younger infant classes, when kids are shifting into their toddler nap schedules.  These classes work well for kids who enjoy a relatively calm group experience, but are moving into being more actively engaged in music-making.

Music classes run for 45 minutes

 

ART PLAYGROUP, ART ADVENTURES and ARFIE'S ART & PLAY

• ART PLAYGROUP, for 18 months to 3½ years.

Introduce your child to the world of pre-school in a relaxed, creative environment. Children transition from free play to structured group activities, including art, music, movement, cooking and story time. Throughout, they are supported to work independently, with a drop-off class for kids 2½ and up who are ready to really be on their own! Developed and taught by Sharon Enlow.

• ART ADVENTURES, 3 and 4 years.

Art is FUN! We want to take your child on an art adventure, exploring lots of ideas and art materials. As your children express their own creativity, the process of making art also enhances learning skills, eye-hand coordination, decision making and even problem solving! Children will be guided, but they will find their own way of making art. This is a drop off class. Developed and taught by Vicki Devor.

• ARFIE'S ART AND PLAY, for 2 to 3 years.

Arfie joins the playgroup mix! Children discover the art of sharing and playing with new friends, but in addition to art projects and free play time, we delve into creative movement and imaginative play to spark our activities, using our Arfie song collections and music from around the world. Please note: If your child is younger than 2 years, you are welcome to do a trial class so we can assess if it's a good fit, but this class is not open to children under 20 months. Developed and taught by Vicki Devor and Nanette De Cillis

• PLAY SCHOOL!  Art, music and pre-school fun, for 3 and 4 year olds; 2½ hours
You asked for it - we heard you! PLAY SCHOOL! is offered to address the need for more options for busy pre-school age children. Based on our “un-camp” model for older kids, our teachers will present art projects, music activities, imaginative play, story-time and snack. Maximum of 12 kids per group.

Drop-off will be the goal, but like “real” pre-school, kids might need a gradual drop-off period as they get used to new teachers, new routines and a longer class time.

Please call if you have any questions about the PLAY SCHOOL! program. Please note: in order to create an age-appropriate experience, we will not accept children under 3 years of age for Play School!

• UN-CAMP MUSIC AND ART, for 4 and 5 yearl olds; drop off.  (summers only)

Un-Camp is a flexible half-day program, so you can accommodate vacation plans and still give the kids a chance to have some city fun. You can register for 1 to 5 weeks, and attend 1, 2 or 3 days per week. Un-Camp instructors include Vicki Devor, Liz Bangs and Dave Palmer, plus visits from special musical guests, including Peira Moinester, Nanette De Cillis, Morgan Taylor and Bob Goldberg. At the end of the season, families come to our “un-camporee” to share in the fun.

Our goal is to support the children in going further with their individual talents; a step this age is ready for. Un-Camp art is still “messy”, but a bit more challenging for this age. Vicki works with various media, with imaginative play, stories and music as a springboard for their projects. For the music component, we employ the experiential approach of our mixed-age classes, with more direction as appropriate for this age group. Elements of reading, writing, art and performing are included.

Please Note: Space permitting, children may attend individual sessions. Please contact the office for details. Un-Camp is a drop-off program, with snack included - We do not offer any snack products that contain peanuts, dairy or nut products!


> ARTSCETERA MUSIC & ART PROGRAMS:

   TUITION FEES AND CLASS MATERIALS

ARFIE'S MUSIC ADVENTURES & MUSIC FOR AARDVARKS AND OTHER MAMMALS: $215 (Returning families); $230 (New* families); SIBLING FEE (10 MONTHS & UP): $125.00. Tuition includes 10 classes; Arfie program includes a music CD and accompanying booklet; Aardvarks program includes a CD.

5-week summer session is $115; sibling @$75

ART PLAYGROUP, ART aDVENTURES, ARFIE'S ART AND PLAY: $225 (Returning families); $240 (New* families); SIBLING FEE FOR SIBLINGS WHO MEET THE AGE REQUIREMENTS): $150. Tuition includes 10 classes and all art materials.

4-week Art Playgroup summer sessions are $100; Fees include materials.

5-Week Arfie's Art & Play summer sessions are $125; Fees include materials.

PLAY SCHOOL!:  $450 (Returning families); $465 (New* families); Age appropriate sibling or twin: $400

UN-CAMP MUSIC AND ART (summer only):

Un-Camp offers maximum flexibility.  There are Un-Camp sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for five weeks.  You can sign up for any number of sessions on days of your choosing.  Some people might like to enroll for all 5 Monday, Tuesday or Thursday sessions, others might enroll in all 15 sessions, while still others might want to mix and match, say take a couple of Mondays and a couple of Thursdays.  The cost of each session is $50, with a minimum of 3 sessions.  The fee is reduced to $45 per session when registering for 6 or more.

Fees include materials and snacks

 

Infants 9 months and under attend free when accompanying a registered older sibling in a mixed-age music class!

 

*New Family means new to ArtsCetera.  One-time registration fee is not required when adding or changing classes.

 

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